I have shot 2 50 bmg in my life one was a single shot bolt and one was a semi-auto
They both are good guns but personally the semi-auto wins hands down or at least that is what my shoulder said to tell you

The only .50 BMG I've had opportunity to fire is the Barrett, and I must say, I was most impressed. Face it, folks, the .50 BMG is a VERY powerful round, arguably among the most powerful ever chambered in a rifle. Consequently, it kicks like an old angry mule on a bad hair day. To me, the only configuration that makes any real sense--assuming you want to fire more than a couple of rounds on a given day--is the recoil-dampening semi-auto. Both the rifles you named, flynhghr, are indeed magazine-fed semis. I would go with the Barrett simply because of its outstanding reputation.

Thanks for clearing that up Rich, guess I was blowing steam again...I was thinking the EDM Windrunner M96 was a mag fed bolt gun.

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Donny, nope, my bad, you are correct and I was the one in error. The EDM Windrunner M96 is indeed a magazine-fed (5-round) bolt action design. EDM does also make a semi-auto as well, which is what I was thinking of it would seem. I should never depend on my memory at this age! For that matter, Barrett too makes a bolt action, the Model 95, in bullpup configuration, but the Mod 82 is semi-auto. Whatever the case, I would still choose the semi-auto over the bolt because of the reduced recoil if for no other reason, and the Barrett over the EDM for its quality reputation. And yeah, I agree, what Barrett told those idiots in California got a "right on" from me as well!

Depends on exactly what you mean by "practical," Seward. For the military and police, it is frequently used as a long-range, very deadly, sniper rifle. For civilians, it's mostly used for long-range competition shooting and plinking. The accurate range on these weapons is astounding. A 3000 yard accurate shot is quite possible.

Ronnie Barrett, for those who have not heard, told the Chief of the LAPD, that, based on the position of the Mayor, and others, that the 'local yokels' had no need of such weapons, that, if they would like the rifles they had in his shop, for repair/service, they would need to come and pick them up, as he was no longer shipping, to Ca!
The guy has no problem putting his money where his mouth is!
How would this affect the treatment one would recieve, in warranty service, do you suppose?
The US Military likes the product, and they are a tough crowd!
Were I to 'get the bug', for such a rifle, he is the only source I would consider!